African and Asian Cup to Disrupt English Premier League
In mid-January, the African Cup of Nations and the Asian Cup are set to kick off, causing notable disruptions in European football, particularly in the English Premier League. A total of 17 teams will see players being called up for these two tournaments, significantly impacting squad dynamics.
Nottingham Forest is poised to be the most affected team, with six players scheduled to miss several matches in January. Currently positioned 15th in the league, Nottingham Forest, holding a 5-point lead over the relegation zone, hopes that the player absence won't hinder their quest for survival.
The impact of the African and Asian Cups extends beyond the relegation battle, reaching the top of the table and the race for the top-four spots. Liverpool, for instance, will have two key players, Salah and Endo, unavailable due to international duty. Salah, a pivotal figure with 18 goals and 8 assists in 27 appearances this season, leaves a significant void that may be challenging to fill.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will also face challenges in their pursuit of a top-four finish, with three and four players absent, respectively. For Manchester United, the absence of key players like Onana, Diallo, and Amadou could affect their defensive stability and attacking options. Meanwhile, Tottenham will miss the influential presence of captain and top scorer Son Heung-min.
The disruption caused by these international tournaments introduces uncertainties into the Premier League title race and the battle for the top-four positions. Liverpool, currently in contention for the title, faces the risk of being overtaken by rivals like Manchester City if they falter in their absence. The coming weeks are poised to bring about a shakeup in the league standings, with teams navigating the challenges posed by international call-ups.
Dari:Berita
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